Editing Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk (section)

==Design and development==
In 1981, the U.S. Air Force chose the [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk|UH-60A Black Hawk]] to replace its [[Sikorsky S-61R|HH-3E Jolly Green Giant]] helicopters. After acquiring some UH-60s, the Air Force began upgrading each with an air refueling probe and additional fuel tanks in the cabin. The machine guns were changed from 7.62&nbsp;mm (0.308&nbsp;in) [[M60 machine gun|M60s]] to .50&nbsp;caliber (12.7&nbsp;mm) [[M2 Browning machine gun#XM213/M213, XM218, GAU-15/A, GAU-16/A, and GAU-18/A|XM218s]]. These helicopters were referred to as "Credible Hawks" and entered service in 1987.<ref name="Eden_H-60">Eden, Paul. "Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk/Seahawk", ''Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft''. Amber Books, 2004. {{ISBN|1-904687-84-9}}.</ref>

Afterwards, the Credible Hawks and new UH-60As were upgraded and designated MH-60G Pave Hawk. These upgrades were to be done in a two-step process. However, funding allowed only 16 Credible Hawks to receive the second step equipment. These helicopters were allocated to special operations use. The remaining 82 Credible Hawks received the first step upgrade equipment and were used for combat search and rescue. In 1991, these search and rescue Pave Hawks were redesignated HH-60G.<ref name="Eden_H-60"/><ref name="Bishop_UH-60">Bishop, Chris. ''Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk''. Osprey, 2008. {{ISBN|978-1-84176-852-6}}.</ref>

The Pave Hawk is a highly modified version of the [[Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation|Sikorsky]] UH-60 Black Hawk.<ref name="USAFalmanac2008weapons">{{cite journal |last= Young |first= Susan H.H., Staff Editor |title= "HH-60G Pave Hawk", ''2008 USAF Almanac'' – Gallery of USAF Weapons |journal= [[Air Force Magazine]] |volume= 91 |issue= 5 |pages= 155–156 |date= May 2008 |publisher= Air Force Association |url= http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2008/May%202008/0508weapons.pdf|issn= 0730-6784 |url-status= usurped |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090226192129/http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2008/May%202008/0508weapons.pdf |archive-date= 26 February 2009}}</ref> It features an upgraded communications and navigation suite that includes an integrated [[Inertial guidance system|inertial navigation]]/[[Global Positioning System|global positioning]]/[[Doppler radar|Doppler]] navigation systems, satellite communications, secure voice, and [[Have Quick]] communications. The term [[PAVE]] stands for Precision Avionics Vectoring Equipment.

[[File:USAF HH-60W 19-14499 FDK MD5.jpg|thumb|left|HH-60W in June 2022]]
All HH-60Gs have an automatic flight control system, [[night vision goggles]] lighting and [[forward looking infrared]] system that greatly enhances night low-level operations. Additionally, some Pave Hawks have color weather [[radar]] and an engine/rotor blade anti-ice system that gives the HH-60G an all-weather capability. Pave Hawk mission equipment includes a retractable [[in-flight refueling]] probe, internal auxiliary fuel tanks, two crew-served (or pilot-controlled) 7.62&nbsp;mm (0.308 in) miniguns or 0.50-caliber machine guns and an 8,000 pound (3,600&nbsp;kg) capacity cargo hook. To improve air transportability and shipboard operations, all HH-60Gs have folding rotor blades.

Pave Hawk combat enhancements include a radar warning receiver, infrared jammer and a [[flare]]/[[Chaff (radar countermeasure)|chaff]] [[countermeasure]] dispensing system. HH-60G rescue equipment includes a hoist capable of lifting a 600-pound (270&nbsp;kg) load from a hover height of 200 feet (60 m), and a personnel locating system. A number of Pave Hawks are equipped with an over-the-horizon tactical data receiver that is capable of receiving near real-time mission update information.<ref name=HH-60G_USAF_Factsheet>{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104508/hh-60g-pave-hawk/|title=HH-60G Pave Hawk|publisher=[[United States Air Force]]|date=4 February 2004|access-date=8 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108114422/http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104508/hh-60g-pave-hawk.aspx|archive-date=8 January 2014}}</ref>

===Replacement===
[[File:Helicopter aerial refueling.jpg|thumb|right|An HH-60G about to refuel from a USAF [[HC-130P]]]]
In 1999, the USAF identified a need for a helicopter with improved range, speed, and cabin space. An options analysis was completed in 2002 and funding for 141 aircraft under the "personnel recovery vehicle" program began in 2004.  In 2005, it was renamed ''CSAR-X'', meaning combat search and rescue.  Sikorsky entered the [[Sikorsky S-92#H-92 Superhawk|HH-92 Superhawk]], [[Lockheed Martin]] entered the [[VH-71 Kestrel]], and [[Boeing]] entered the [[HH-47 CSAR-X Prototype|HH-47 Chinook]]. The HH-47 won the competition in November 2006, but the award was cancelled after successful protests from both rival competitors.  A [[Request for Proposals]] (RFP) was reissued in 2007, but protested again before proposals were received, leading to a second cancellation.<ref name="flightglobal19dec13">[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sikorsky-eyes-federal-budget-amid-uncertainty-over-combat-rescue-helicopter-394324/ Sikorsky eyes federal budget amid uncertainty over combat rescue helicopter] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220002606/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sikorsky-eyes-federal-budget-amid-uncertainty-over-combat-rescue-helicopter-394324/ |date=20 December 2013 }} - Flightglobal.com, 19 December 2013</ref> In March 2010, the USAF announced a recapitalization plan to return its 99-aircraft inventory to 112 airframes, incrementally replacing aging HH-60Gs; a secondary plan to replace 13 attrition HH-60s, seven of which were lost in combat since 2001, was also initiated. The USAF deferred secondary combat search and rescue requirements calling for a larger helicopter. A UH-60M-based version was offered as a replacement.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-abandons-large-helicopter-for-rescue-mission-p-338770/ "USAF abandons large helicopter for rescue mission, proposes buying 112 UH-60Ms"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010005151/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-abandons-large-helicopter-for-rescue-mission-p-338770/ |date=10 October 2016 }}. ''Flight International''. 24 February 2010.</ref><ref>[https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=e0d2f218043862f1a8f4e3c3d1200c83&tab=core&_cview=1 USAF HH-60 Personnel Recovery Recapitalization Program (HH-60 Recap) sources sought notice]. fbo.gov, Released" 23 March, Revised: 8 April 2010.</ref><ref>Reed, John. [https://archive.today/20120729065638/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4709684&c=AME&s=AIR "UH-60M Offered For USAF's New CSAR Program"]. ''Defense News'', 15 July 2010.</ref>

On 22 October 2012, the USAF issued an RFP for up to 112 ''Combat Rescue Helicopter''s (CRH) to replace the HH-60G with the primary mission of personnel recovery from hostile territory; other missions include civil search and rescue, disaster relief, casualty and medical evacuation.<ref>[https://www.af.mil/News/story/id/123323178/ Air Force Releases RFP for Next Search And Rescue Helicopter]  Af.mil, 22 October 2012.</ref> It had to have a [[combat radius]] of {{convert|225|nmi|mi km|abbr=on}}, a payload of 1,500&nbsp;lb (680&nbsp;kg), and space for up to four stretchers. The [[AgustaWestland AW101]] was one entrant.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-air-force-moves-forward-with-csar-procurement-378380/ US Air Force moves forward with CSAR procurement] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419114257/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-air-force-moves-forward-with-csar-procurement-378380/ |date=19 April 2013 }} Flightglobal.com, 31 October 2012</ref> By December 2012, competitors [[AgustaWestland]], [[EADS]], [[Boeing]], and [[Bell Helicopter]] had withdrawn amid claims that the RFP favored Sikorsky and did not reward rival aircraft's capabilities.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-helicopters-idUSBRE8BA1CY20121211 Most contractors opt out of Air Force chopper bids] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924172542/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/11/us-usa-helicopters-idUSBRE8BA1CY20121211 |date=24 September 2015 }} Reuters, 11 December 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sikorsky-last-bidder-standing-in-usafs-combat-rescue-helicopter-battle-380157/ Sikorsky last bidder standing in USAF's combat rescue helicopter battle] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322055249/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sikorsky-last-bidder-standing-in-usafs-combat-rescue-helicopter-battle-380157/ |date=22 March 2013 }} Flightglobal.com, 12 December 2012.</ref> The USAF argued that the competition was not written to favor Sikorsky, and that the terms were clear as to the capabilities they wanted and could afford. Sikorsky was the only bidder remaining, with subcontractor Lockheed Martin supplying mission equipment and the electronic survivability suite. Sikorsky and the USAF extensively evaluated the proposed CRH-60, a variant of the MH-60 special operations helicopter;<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/sikorsky-helicopters-idUSL1N0G322520130802 U.S. Air Force delays rescue helicopter contract award] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924183524/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/02/sikorsky-helicopters-idUSL1N0G322520130802 |date=24 September 2015 }} - Reuters.com, 2 August 2013</ref> the CRH-60 differed from the MH-60 by its greater payload and cabin capacity, wider rotor blades, and better hover capability.<ref name="flightglobal19dec13"/>

In September 2013, the initial USAF FY 2015 budget proposal would have cancelled the CRH program due to sequestration budget cuts, instead retaining the existing HH-60 fleet.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130915210441/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130915/DEFREG02/309150004 USAF Weighs Scrapping KC-10, A-10 Fleets] Defensenews.com, 15 September 2013.</ref><ref>[http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20140219204133/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140218/DEFREG02/302180038/Aide%2DCongress%2DWill%2DFight%2DFund%2DCombat%2DRescue%2DHelo Aide: Congress Will Fight To Fund Combat Rescue Helo] - Defensenews.com, 18 February 2014</ref> Congress allocated over $300 million to the program in FY 2014, with $430 million to be moved from other areas through FY 2019 to finance it.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-to-issue-contract-to-sikorsky-for-rescue-helicopter-396608/ USAF to issue contract to Sikorsky for rescue helicopter] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306030905/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-to-issue-contract-to-sikorsky-for-rescue-helicopter-396608/ |date=6 March 2014 }} - Flightglobal.com, 4 March 2014</ref> On 26 June 2014, the USAF awarded Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin a $1.3 billion contract for the first four aircraft, with 112 total to be procured for a total of up to $7.9 billion.<ref>[http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140626/NEWS04/306260073/Sikorsky-Lockheed-awarded-Combat-Rescue-Helo-contract Sikorsky, Lockheed awarded Combat Rescue Helo contract] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701092846/http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140626/NEWS04/306260073/Sikorsky-Lockheed-awarded-Combat-Rescue-Helo-contract |date=1 July 2014 }} - Militarytimes.com, 26 June 2014</ref> Five more are to be delivered by 2020 and the order is to be completed by 2029.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sikorsky-awarded-up-to-7.9-billion-rescue-helicopter-400835/ Sikorsky awarded up to $7.9 billion rescue helicopter deal] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701134118/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sikorsky-awarded-up-to-7.9-billion-rescue-helicopter-400835/ |date=1 July 2014 }} - Flightglobal.com, 27 June 2014</ref> On 24 November 2014, the Air Force officially designated the UH-60M-derived CRH the '''HH-60W'''.<ref name="flightglobal28nov14"/> It first flew on 17 May 2019.<ref>[https://www.janes.com/article/88676/update-sikorsky-hh-60w-combat-rescue-helicopter-makes-first-flight Update: Sikorsky HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter makes first flight]</ref> In February 2020, the HH-60W was named the "Jolly Green II" by the USAF.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/us-air-force-names-hh-60w-combat-rescue-helicopter-jolly-green-ii/136980.article US Air Force names HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter "Jolly Green II"]</ref> The [[41st Rescue Squadron]] received the first two HH-60W helicopters on 5 November 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-06 |title=USAF's first HH-60W Jolly Green II arrives at Moody AFB |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2407824/usafs-first-hh-60w-jolly-green-ii-arrives-at-moody-afb/https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2407824/usafs-first-hh-60w-jolly-green-ii-arrives-at-moody-afb/ |access-date=2023-06-20 |website=Air Force |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>